ADP Analogue Research Articles

Transient interaction between the N-terminal extension of the essential light chain-1 and motor domain of the myosin head during the ATPase cycle

The molecular mechanism of muscle contraction is based on the ATP-dependent cyclic interaction of myosin heads with actin filaments. Myosin head (myosin subfragment-1, S1) consists of two major domains, the motor domain responsible for ATP hydrolysis and actin binding, and the regulatory domain stabilized by light chains. Essential light chain-1 (LC1) is of particular interest since it comprises a unique N-terminal extension (NTE) which can bind to actin thus forming an additional actin-binding site on the myosin head and modulating its motor activity. However, it remains unknown what happens to the NTE of LC1 when the head binds ATP during ATPase cycle and dissociates from actin. We assume that in this state of the head, when it undergoes global ATP-induced conformational changes, the NTE of LC1 can interact with the motor domain. To test this hypothesis, we applied fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to measure the distances from various sites on the NTE of LC1 to S1 active site in the motor domain and changes in these distances upon formation of S1-ADP-BeFx complex (stable analog of S1∗-AТP state). For this, we produced recombinant LC1 cysteine mutants, which were first fluorescently labeled with 1,5-IAEDANS (donor) at different positions in their NTE and then introduced into S1; the ADP analog (TNP-ADP) bound to the S1 active site was used as an acceptor. The results show that formation of S1-ADP-BeFx complex significantly decreases the distances from Cys residues in the NTE of LC1 to TNP-ADP in the S1 active site; this effect was the most pronounced for Cys residues located near the LC1 N-terminus. These results support the concept of the ATP-induced transient interaction of the LC1 N-terminus with the S1 motor domain.

P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptors involved in ADPβs induced the release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α from cultured dorsal horn microglia.

ObjectiveP2 receptors have been implicated in the release of neurotransmitter and pro-inflammatory cytokines due to their response to neuroexcitatory substances in the microglia. Dorsal horn P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptors are involved in the development of pain behavior induced by peripheral nerve injury. However, it is not known whether P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptors activation is associated with the expression and the release of interleukin-1B (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cultured dorsal spinal cord microglia. For this reason, we examined the effects of ADPβs (ADP analog) on the expression and the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.Methods and resultsIn this study, we observed the effect of P2Y receptor agonist ADPβs on the expression and release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α by using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ADPβs induced the increased expression of Iba-1, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α at the level of messenger RNA (mRNA). ADPβs-evoked increase in Iba-1, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression was inhibited only partially by P2Y12 receptor antagonist MRS2395 or P2Y13 receptor antagonist MRS2211, respectively. Similarly, ADPβs-evoked release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was inhibited only partially by MRS2395 or MRS2211. Furthermore, ADPβs-evoked increased expression of Iba-1, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA, and release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were nearly all blocked after co-administration of MRS2395 plus MRS2179. Further evidence indicated that P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptor-evoked increased gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were inhibited by Y-27632 (ROCK inhibitor), SB203580 (P38MAPK inhibitor) and PDTC (NF-κb inhibitor), respectively. Subsequently, P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptor-evoked release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, were also inhibited by Y-27632, SB203580 and PDTC, respectively.ConclusionThese observations suggest that P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptor-evoked gene expression and release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α are associated with ROCK/P38MAPK/NF-κb signaling pathway.

Adenine Nucleotides Control Proliferation In Vivo of Rat Retinal Progenitors by P2Y1 Receptor.

Previous studies demonstrated that exogenous ATP is able to regulate proliferation of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) in vitro possibly via P2Y1 receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor. Here, we evaluated the function of adenine nucleotides in vivo during retinal development of newborn rats. Intravitreal injection of apyrase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes nucleotides, reduced cell proliferation in retinas at postnatal day 2 (P2). This decrease was reversed when retinas were treated together with ATPγ-S or ADPβ-S, two hydrolysis-resistant analogs of ATP and ADP, respectively. During early postnatal days (P0 to P5), an increase in ectonucleotidase (E-NTPDase) activity was observed in the retina, suggesting a decrease in the availability of adenine nucleotides, coinciding with the end of proliferation. Interestingly, intravitreal injection of the E-NTPDase inhibitor ARL67156 increased proliferation by around 60% at P5 rats. Furthermore, immunolabeling against P2Y1 receptor was observed overall in retina layers from P2 rats, including proliferating Ki-67-positive cells in the neuroblastic layer (NBL), suggesting that this receptor could be responsible for the action of adenine nucleotides upon proliferation of RPCs. Accordingly, intravitreal injection of MRS2179, a selective antagonist of P2Y1 receptors, reduced cell proliferation by approximately 20% in P2 rats. Moreover, treatment with MRS 2179 caused an increase in p57KIP2 and cyclin D1 expression, a reduction in cyclin E and Rb phosphorylated expression and in BrdU-positive cell number. These data suggest that the adenine nucleotides modulate the proliferation of rat RPCs via activation of P2Y1 receptors regulating transition from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle.

Probing the ATP Site of GRP78 with Nucleotide Triphosphate Analogs.

GRP78, a member of the ER stress protein family, can relocate to the surface of cancer cells, playing key roles in promoting cell proliferation and metastasis. GRP78 consists of two major functional domains: the ATPase and protein/peptide-binding domains. The protein/peptide-binding domain of cell-surface GRP78 has served as a novel functional receptor for delivering cytotoxic agents (e.g., a apoptosis-inducing peptide or taxol) across the cell membrane. Here, we report our study on the ATPase domain of GRP78 (GRP78ATPase), whose potential as a transmembrane delivery system of cytotoxic agents (e.g., ATP-based nucleotide triphosphate analogs) remains unexploited. As the binding of ligands (ATP analogs) to a receptor (GRP78ATPase) is a pre-requisite for internalization, we determined the binding affinities and modes of GRP78ATPase for ADP, ATP and several ATP analogs using surface plasmon resonance and x-ray crystallography. The tested ATP analogs contain one of the following modifications: the nitrogen at the adenine ring 7-position to a carbon atom (7-deazaATP), the oxygen at the β-γ bridge position to a carbon atom (AMPPCP), or the removal of the 2’-OH group (2’-deoxyATP). We found that 7-deazaATP displays an affinity and a binding mode that resemble those of ATP regardless of magnesium ion (Mg++) concentration, suggesting that GRP78 is tolerant to modifications at the 7-position. By comparison, AMPPCP’s binding affinity was lower than ATP and Mg++-dependent, as the removal of Mg++ nearly abolished binding to GRP78ATPase. The AMPPCP-Mg++ structure showed evidence for the critical role of Mg++ in AMPPCP binding affinity, suggesting that while GRP78 is sensitive to modifications at the β-γ bridge position, these can be tolerated in the presence of Mg++. Furthermore, 2’-deoxyATP’s binding affinity was significantly lower than those for all other nucleotides tested, even in the presence of Mg++. The 2’-deoxyATP structure showed the conformation of the bound nucleotide flipped out of the active site, explaining the low affinity binding to GRP78 and suggesting that the 2’-OH group is essential for the high affinity binding to GRP78. Together, our results demonstrate that GRP78ATPase possesses nucleotide specificity more relaxed than previously anticipated and can tolerate certain modifications to the nucleobase 7-position and, to a lesser extent, the β-γ bridging atom, thereby providing a possible atomic mechanism underlying the transmembrane transport of the ATP analogs.

Structural Basis for Nucleotide Hydrolysis by the Acid Sphingomyelinase-like Phosphodiesterase SMPDL3A

Sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase, acid-like 3A (SMPDL3A) is a member of a small family of proteins founded by the well characterized lysosomal enzyme, acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase). ASMase converts sphingomyelin into the signaling lipid, ceramide. It was recently discovered that, in contrast to ASMase, SMPDL3A is inactive against sphingomyelin and, surprisingly, can instead hydrolyze nucleoside diphosphates and triphosphates, which may play a role in purinergic signaling. As none of the ASMase-like proteins has been structurally characterized to date, the molecular basis for their substrate preferences is unknown. Here we report crystal structures of murine SMPDL3A, which represent the first structures of an ASMase-like protein. The catalytic domain consists of a central mixed β-sandwich surrounded by α-helices. Additionally, SMPDL3A possesses a unique C-terminal domain formed from a cluster of four α-helices that appears to distinguish this protein family from other phosphoesterases. We show that SMDPL3A is a di-zinc-dependent enzyme with an active site configuration that suggests a mechanism of phosphodiester hydrolysis by a metal-activated water molecule and protonation of the leaving group by a histidine residue. Co-crystal structures of SMPDL3A with AMP and α,β-methylene ADP (AMPCP) reveal that the substrate binding site accommodates nucleotides by establishing interactions with their base, sugar, and phosphate moieties, with the latter the major contributor to binding affinity. Our study provides the structural basis for SMPDL3A substrate specificity and sheds new light on the function of ASMase-like proteins.

Study of the Phosphoryl-Transfer Mechanism of Shikimate Kinase by NMR Spectroscopy.

The phosphoryl-transfer mechanism of shikimate kinase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Helicobacter pylori, which is an attractive target for antibiotic drug discovery, has been studied by 1D (1)H and (31)P NMR spectroscopy. Metaphosphoric acid proved to be a good mimetic of the metaphosphate intermediate and facilitated the ready and rapid evaluation by NMR spectroscopic analysis of a dissociative mechanism. The required closed form of the active site for catalysis was achieved by the use of ADP (product) or two synthetic ADP analogues (AMPNP, AMPCP). Molecular dynamics simulation studies reported here also revealed that the essential arginine (Arg116/Arg117 in H. pylori and M. tuberculosis, respectively), which activates the γ-phosphate group of ATP for catalysis and triggers the release of the product for turnover, would also be involved in the stabilisation of the metaphosphate intermediate during catalysis. We believe that the studies reported here will be helpful for future structure-based design of inhibitors of this attractive target. The approach is also expected be useful for studies on the possible dissociative mechanism of other kinase enzymes.

Characterization of the Catalytic and Nucleotide Binding Properties of the α-Kinase Domain of Dictyostelium Myosin-II Heavy Chain Kinase A

The α-kinases are a widely expressed family of serine/threonine protein kinases that exhibit no sequence identity with conventional eukaryotic protein kinases. In this report, we provide new information on the catalytic properties of the α-kinase domain of Dictyostelium myosin-II heavy chain kinase-A (termed A-CAT). Crystallization of A-CAT in the presence of MgATP yielded structures with AMP or adenosine in the catalytic cleft together with a phosphorylated Asp-766 residue. The results show that the β- and α-phosphoryl groups are transferred either directly or indirectly to the catalytically essential Asp-766. Biochemical assays confirmed that A-CAT hydrolyzed ATP, ADP, and AMP with kcat values of 1.9, 0.6, and 0.32 min(-1), respectively, and showed that A-CAT can use ADP to phosphorylate peptides and proteins. Binding assays using fluorescent 2'/3'-O-(N-methylanthraniloyl) analogs of ATP and ADP yielded Kd values for ATP, ADP, AMP, and adenosine of 20 ± 3, 60 ± 20, 160 ± 60, and 45 ± 15 μM, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that Glu-713, Leu-716, and Lys-645, all of which interact with the adenine base, were critical for nucleotide binding. Mutation of the highly conserved Gln-758, which chelates a nucleotide-associated Mg(2+) ion, eliminated catalytic activity, whereas loss of the highly conserved Lys-722 and Arg-592 decreased kcat values for kinase and ATPase activities by 3-6-fold. Mutation of Asp-663 impaired kinase activity to a much greater extent than ATPase, indicating a specific role in peptide substrate binding, whereas mutation of Gln-768 doubled ATPase activity, suggesting that it may act to exclude water from the active site.

Formation of the Motor Protein-Photochromic ADP Analogue-Fluorometal Ternary Complex and Photo-Reversible Transition along the Steps in ATPase Cycle

In the presence of Mg2+ADP, myosin forms stable ternary complexes with phosphate analogues, fluoroberyllate (BeFn), fluoroaluminate (AlF4-) and orthovanadate (Vi), each of which may mimic different transient state along ATPase cycle. It is known that kiensin also forms similar ternary complexes. Our previous studies on the photoaffinity-labelling using photoactive ADP analogue and 19F NMR spectroscopy using 19F-labeled ADP analogue for the ternary complexes revealed that there is some variation in the myosin-nucleotide contacts at the nucleotide base among the ternary complexes. Previously, we have incorporated photochromic molecule, azobenzen derivative into the functional region of ATP driven motor proteins and succeeded to control activities and conformation reversibly by photochromic irradiation. Aim of this study is to induce transition between the different steps in ATPase cycle of motor proteins utilizing photoisomerization on the motor protein-phtochromic ADP analogue-fluorometal ternary complexes. In this study, three types of photochromic ATP analogues composed of azobenznene, spiropyran and fulgimide derivatives were synthesized. The photo-responsive interaction of the photochromic ATP analogues with myosin and kinesin were examined. Photo-dependent conformational changes of the myosin motor domain were monitored by X-ray small angle scattering. And the photo-reversible changes in the velocity of the microtubule glyding for kinesin in the presence of the photochromic ATP analogues were also observed. In the presence of fluorometal, BeFn, photochromic ADP analogues were trapped within the ATPase site of kinesin and myosin resulted in formation of ternary complexes. The conformational changes of the complexes induced by photo irradiation were studied.

Endocannabinoids control platelet activation and limit aggregate formation under flow.

BackgroundThe endocannabinoid system has previously been implicated in the regulation of neurons and inflammatory cells. Additionally, it has been reported that endocannabinoid receptors are present on circulating platelets, but there has been conflicting evidence on their contribution to platelet function.ObjectivesOur aim was to examine the role of endocannabinoids in platelet function in vitro and in vivo.Methods and ResultsWe studied the effects of the well-characterized endogenous endocannabinoid anandamide on platelet aggregation in suspension, α-granule release, calcium mobilization, Syk phosphorylation, as well as platelet spreading and aggregate formation under flow. Anandamide inhibits platelet aggregation and α-granule release by collagen, collagen-derived peptide CRP-XL, ADP, arachidonic acid and thromboxane A2 analogue U46619. However, activation via thrombin receptor PAR-1 stays largely unaffected. Calcium mobilization is significantly impaired when platelets are stimulated with collagen or CRP-XL, but remains normal in the presence of the other agonists. In line with this finding, we found that anandamide prevents collagen-induced Syk phosphorylation. Furthermore, anandamide-treated platelets exhibit reduced spreading on immobilized fibrinogen, have a decreased capacity for binding fibrinogen in solution and show perturbed platelet aggregate formation under flow over collagen. Finally, we investigated the influence of Cannabis sativa consumption by human volunteers on platelet activation. Similar to our in vitro findings with anandamide, ex vivo collagen-induced platelet aggregation and aggregate formation on immobilized collagen under flow were impaired in whole blood of donors that had consumed Cannabis sativa.ConclusionsEndocannabinoid receptor agonists reduce platelet activation and aggregate formation both in vitro and ex vivo after Cannabis sativa consumption. Further elucidation of this novel regulatory mechanism for platelet function may prove beneficial in the search for new antithrombotic therapies.

Agonist-bound structure of the human P2Y12 receptor

The P2Y12 receptor (P2Y12R), one of eight members of the P2YR family expressed in humans, has been identified as one of the most prominent clinical drug targets for inhibition of platelet aggregation. Consequently, extensive mutagenesis and modeling studies of the P2Y12R have revealed many aspects of agonist/antagonist binding1-4. However, the details of agonist and antagonist recognition and function at the P2Y12R remain poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, we report the structures of the human P2Y12R in complex with a full agonist 2-methylthio-adenosine-5′-diphosphate (2MeSADP, a close analogue of endogenous agonist ADP) at 2.5 Å resolution, and the corresponding ATP derivative 2-methylthio-adenosine-5′-triphosphate (2MeSATP) at 3.1 Å resolution. Analysis of these structures, together with the structure of the P2Y12R with antagonist ethyl 6-(4-((benzylsulfonyl)carbamoyl)piperidin-1-yl)-5-cyano-2-methylnicotinate (AZD1283)5, reveals dramatic conformational changes between nucleotide and non-nucleotide ligand complexes in the extracellular regions, providing the first insight into a different ligand binding landscape in the δ-group of class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Agonist and non-nucleotide antagonist adopt different orientations in the P2Y12R, with only partially overlapped binding pockets. The agonist-bound P2Y12R structure answers long-standing ambiguities surrounding P2Y12R-agonist recognition, and reveals interactions with several residues that had not been reported to be involved in agonist binding. As a first example of a GPCR where agonist access to the binding pocket requires large scale rearrangements in the highly malleable extracellular region, the structural studies therefore will provide invaluable insight into the pharmacology and mechanisms of action of agonists and different classes of antagonists for the P2Y12R and potentially for other closely related P2YRs.

Purinergic Effects on Na,K-ATPase Activity Differ in Rat and Human Skeletal Muscle

BackgroundP2Y receptor activation may link the effect of purines to increased maximal in vitro activity of the Na,K-ATPase in rat muscle. The hypothesis that a similar mechanism is present in human skeletal muscle was investigated with membranes from rat and human skeletal muscle.ResultsMembranes purified from rat and human muscles were used in the Na,K-ATPase assay. Incubation with ADP, the stable ADP analogue MeS-ADP and UDP increased the Na+ dependent Na,K-ATPase activity in rat muscle membranes, whereas similar treatments of human muscle membranes lowered the Na,K-ATPase activity. UTP incubation resulted in unchanged Na,K-ATPase activity in humans, but pre-incubation with the antagonist suramin resulted in inhibition with UTP, suggesting that P2Y receptors are involved. The Na,K-ATPase in membranes from both rat and human could be stimulated by protein kinase A and C activation. Thus, protein kinase A and C activation can increase Na,K-ATPase activity in human muscle but not via P2Y receptor stimulation.ConclusionThe inhibitory effects of most purines (with the exception of UTP) in human muscle membranes are probably due to mass law inhibition of ATP hydrolysis. This inhibition could be blurred in rat due to receptor mediated activation of the Na,K-ATPase. The different effects could be related to a high density of ADP sensitive P2Y1 and P2Y13 receptors in rat, whereas the UTP sensitive P2Y11 could be more abundant in human. Alternatively, rat could possesses a mechanism for protein-protein interaction between P2Y receptors and the Na,K-ATPase, and this mechanism could be absent in human skeletal muscle (perhaps with the exception of the UTP sensitive P2Y11 receptor).PerspectiveRat muscle is not a reliable model for purinergic effects on Na,K-ATPase in human skeletal muscle.

The ATP/ADP Substrate Specificity Switch between Toxoplasma gondii NTPDase1 and NTPDase3 is Caused by an Altered Mode of Binding of the Substrate Base

Two nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase isoforms (NTPDase1 and NTPDase3) are responsible for the hydrolysis of nucleotides by the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. They constitute about 3 % of the total parasite protein. Despite sharing 97 % sequence identity they exhibit opposite ATP versus ADP substrate discrimination ratios. Here we show by mutagenesis that the residues G492/G493 in NTPDase3 and R492/E493 in NTPDase1 are predominantly responsible for the differences in substrate specificity. Crystal structures of NTPDase1 in complexation with analogues of ATP and ADP reveal that the inverted substrate specificity of NTPDase1 relative to NTPDase3 is achieved by switching from the canonical substrate binding mode to a very different alternative one. Instead of being stacked on top of a helix of the C-terminal domain the nucleotide base is positioned in the interdomain space between the side chains of R108 and R492, recruited from both domains. Furthermore, we show that the NTPDase1 substrate specificity is mainly dependent on the presence of the side chain of E493, which causes repositioning of the ribose component of the nucleotide. All in all, binding by the flexible side chains in the alternative binding mode in NTPDase1 allows for equally good positioning of ATP and ADP with increased activity toward ADP relative to what is seen in the case of NTPDase3.

A High Throughput Assay for Discovery of Small Molecules that Bind AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK)

AMPK is a conserved heterotrimeric serine-threonine kinase that regulates anabolic and catabolic pathways in eukaryotes. Its central role in cellular and whole body metabolism makes AMPK a commonly proposed therapeutic target for illnesses characterized by abnormal energy regulation, including cancer and diabetes. Many AMPK modulators, however, produce AMPK-independent effects. To identify drugs that modulate AMPK activity independent of the canonical ATP-binding pocket found throughout the kinome, we designed a robust fluorescence-based high throughput screening assay biased toward the identification of molecules that bind the regulatory region of AMPK through displacement of MANT-ADP, a fluorescent ADP analog. Automated pin tools were used to rapidly transfer small molecules to a low volume assay mixture on 384-well plates. Prior to assay validation, we completed a full assay optimization to maximize the signal-to-background and reduce variability for robust detection of small molecules displacing MANT-ADP. After validation, we screened 13,120 molecules and identified 3 positive hits that dose-dependently inhibited the protein-bound signal of MANT-ADP in the presence of both full-length AMPK and the truncated “regulatory fragment” of AMPK, which is missing the kinase active site. The average Z’-factor for the screen was 0.55 and the compound confirmation rate was 60%. Thus, this fluorescence-based assay may be paired with in vitro kinase assays and cell-based assays to help identify molecules that selectively regulate AMPK with fewer off-target effects on other kinases.

On the role of ATP release, ectoATPase activity, and extracellular ADP in the regulatory volume decrease of Huh-7 human hepatoma cells

Hypotonicity triggered in human hepatoma cells (Huh-7) the release of ATP and cell swelling, followed by volume regulatory decrease (RVD). We analyzed how the interaction between those processes modulates cell volume. Cells exposed to hypotonic medium swelled 1.5 times their basal volume. Swelling was followed by 41% RVD(40) (extent of RVD after 40 min of maximum), whereas the concentration of extracellular ATP (ATP(e)) increased 10 times to a maximum value at 15 min. Exogenous apyrase (which removes di- and trinucleotides) did not alter RVD, whereas exogenous Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase (which converts ATP to ADP in the extracellular medium) enhanced RVD(40) by 2.6 times, suggesting that hypotonic treatment alone produced a basal RVD, whereas extracellular ADP activated RVD to achieve complete volume regulation (i.e., RVD(40) ≈100%). Under hypotonicity, addition of 2-(methylthio)adenosine 5'-diphosphate (2MetSADP; ADP analog) increased RVD to the same extent as exposure to Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and the same analog did not stimulate RVD when coincubated with MRS2211, a blocker of ADP receptor P2Y(13). RT-PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of P2Y(13). Cells exhibited significant ectoATPase activity, which according to RT-PCR analysis can be assigned to ENTPDase2. Both carbenoxolone, a blocker of conductive ATP release, and brefeldin A, an inhibitor of exocytosis, were able to partially decrease ATP(e) accumulation, pointing to the presence of at least two mechanisms for ATP release. Thus, in Huh-7 cells, hypotonic treatment triggered the release of ATP. Conversion of ATP(e) to ADP(e) by ENTPDase 2 activity facilitates the accumulated ADP(e) to activate P2Y(13) receptors, which mediate complete RVD.

Engineering of the Myosin Viia Nucleotide-Binding Pocket to Create Selective Sensitivity to N6-Modified ADP Analogs

Mutations in myosin VIIa (MYO7A), an unconventional myosin, lead to sensory disorders that include congenital deafness or progressive hearing loss. MYO7A that is expressed in the cochlear neuroepithelium has been shown to play a role in maintenance of tension and the organization of stereocilia. Recent studies showed that MYO7A is located at the upper end of the tip link (Grati et al. 2011), which led us to ask whether MYO7A plays a role in adaptation, a role previously thought to be performed by myosin 1c (MYO1C). Identification of the Y61G mutation in MYO1C, which is selectively inhibited by the N6-modified ADP analog N6-(2-methylbutyl)ADP, motivated the development of MYO1C-Y61G transgenic mice, which were used to evaluate MYO1C's role in transduction and adaptation. We engineered and characterized an analogous MYO7A mutant, Y114G-S1-SAH, to test ADP analogs for selective inhibition of mutant MYO7A. MYO7A-Y114G-S1-SAH was created through site-directed mutagenesis, and MYO7A-S1-SAH (WT) and MYO7A-Y114G-S1-SAH were expressed in SF9 insect cells with a baculoviral expression system. An NADH-coupled steady-state assay showed that the basal ATPase of MYO7A-Y114G-S1-SAH is the same as WT (0.16s−1); at 2.25s−1, the actin-activated ATPase activity of the mutant is about 4-fold higher than WT. The rate of ADP release from the Y114G-actomyosinADP complex is 10-fold faster (k-AD=10s−1) compared to WT. The rate of ATP hydrolysis (kH+k-H) measured by tryptophan fluorescence is >12s−1, similar to WT. MYO7A-Y114G-S1-SAH had an affinity of 0.36 μM for the N6-(2-methylbutyl)ADP, 71-fold higher than WT (25.6 μM). These data show that activity of Y114G-MYO7A is similar to WT, except that it can be selectively inhibited by N6-modified ADP analogs. A mouse line is being generated with the Y114G mutation knocked into the Myo7a locus for electrophysiological studies of transduction and adaptation.

Crystal structures of arginine kinase in complex with ADP, nitrate, and various phosphagen analogs

Arginine kinase catalyzes the reversible transfer of a phosphoryl group between ATP and l-arginine and is a monomeric homolog of the human enzyme creatine kinase. Arginine and creatine kinases belongs to the phosphagen kinase family of enzymes, which consists of eight known members, each of which is specific for its own phosphagen. Here, the source of phosphagen specificity in arginine kinase is investigated through the use of phosphagen analogs. Crystal structures have been determined for Limulus polyphemus arginine kinase with one of four arginine analogs bound in a transition state analog complex: l-ornithine, l-citrulline, imino-l-ornithine, and d-arginine. In all complexes, the enzyme achieves a closed conformation very similar to that of the cognate transition state analog complex, but differences are observed in the configurations of bound ligands. Arginine kinase exhibits no detectable activity towards ornithine, citrulline, or imino-l-ornithine, and only trace activity towards d-arginine. The crystal structures presented here demonstrate that phosphagen specificity is derived neither from a lock-and-key mechanism nor a modulation of induced-fit conformational changes, but potentially from subtle distortions in bound substrate configurations.

Functional Interplay between Caspase Cleavage and Phosphorylation Sculpts the Apoptotic Proteome

Caspase proteases are principal mediators of apoptosis, where they cleave hundreds of proteins. Phosphorylation also plays an important role in apoptosis, although the extent to which proteolytic and phosphorylation pathways crosstalk during programmed cell death remains poorly understood. Using a quantitative proteomic platform that integrates phosphorylation sites into the topographical maps of proteins, we identify a cohort of over 500 apoptosis-specific phosphorylation events and show that they are enriched on cleaved proteins and clustered around sites of caspase proteolysis. We find that caspase cleavage can expose new sites for phosphorylation, and, conversely, that phosphorylation at the +3 position of cleavage sites can directly promote substrate proteolysis by caspase-8. This study provides a global portrait of the apoptotic phosphoproteome, revealing heretofore unrecognized forms of functional crosstalk between phosphorylation and caspase proteolytic pathways that lead to enhanced rates of protein cleavage and the unveiling of new sites for phosphorylation.

Ectonucleotide Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase-1 (CD39) Mediates Resistance to Occlusive Arterial Thrombus Formation after Vascular Injury in Mice

Modulation of purinergic signaling, which is critical for vascular homeostasis and the response to vascular injury, is regulated by hydrolysis of proinflammatory ATP and/or ADP by ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (ENTPD-1; CD39) to AMP, which then is hydrolyzed by ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) to adenosine. We report here that compared with littermate controls (wild type), transgenic mice expressing human ENTPDase-1 were resistant to the formation of an occlusive thrombus after FeCl(3)-induced carotid artery injury. Treatment of mice with the nonhydrolyzable ADP analog, adenosine-5'-0-(2-thiodiphosphate) trilithium salt, Ado-5'-PP[S], negated the protection from thrombosis, consistent with a role for ADP in platelet recruitment and thrombus formation. ENTPD-1 expression decreased whole-blood aggregation after stimulation by ADP, an effect negated by adenosine-5'-0-(2-thiodiphosphate) trilithium salt, Ado-5'-PP[S] stimulation, and limited the ability to maintain the platelet fibrinogen receptor, glycoprotein α(IIb)/β(3), in a fully activated state, which is critical for thrombus formation. In vivo treatment with a CD73 antagonist, a nonselective adenosine-receptor antagonist, or a selective A(2A) or A(2B) adenosine-receptor antagonist, negated the resistance to thrombosis in transgenic mice expressing human ENTPD-1, suggesting a role for adenosine generation and engagement of adenosine receptors in conferring in vivo resistance to occlusive thrombosis in this model. In summary, our findings identify ENTPDase-1 modulation of purinergic signaling as a key determinant of the formation of an occlusive thrombus after vascular injury.

Formation of Myosin-Photochromic ATP Analogue-Phosphate Analogue Ternary Complexes that Transit Reversibly Among Different ATPase Transient States by Light Irradiation

Azobenzene is a photochromic molecule that undergoes rapid and reversible isomerization between the cis- and trans-forms in response to ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) light irradiation, respectively. Previously, we have cross-linked reactive cysteine SH1 and SH2 of skeletal muscle myosin subfragment-1(S1) with the sulfhydryl-reactive bifunctional azobenzene derivative, azobenzene-dimaleimide (ABDM) and succeeded to induce lever arm swinging reversibly by photo-irradiation. The results suggested that it might be possible to control or drive motor proteins by light irradiation. In the present study, we have employed photochromic ATP analogues that change its structure reversibly by light irradiation in order to photo-regulate function of myosin. Phenylazobenzoyl-iminoethyl-Tri-Phosphate (PABITP) have been designed and synthesized. PABITP was hydrolyzed by skeletal muscle myosin subfragment-1 (S1) and induced dissociation of acto-myosin. Formations of S1-PABIDP-Pi analogues (AlF4-, BeFn) ternary complexes that may mimic different transient states in ATPase cycle were examined. The formations of the ternary complexes were monitored by competing with fluorescent ADP analogue Mant-ADP. Trans PABITP formed the ternary complexes with AlF4- and BeFn. Interestingly, formation of S1-PABIDP-BeFn was saturated at 50%. It is known that there are two species of BeFn, which have different number of fluorine. One of them forms M∗•ATP state and the other forms M∗∗•ADP•Pi state. As S1-ADP-AlF4- ternary complex mimic only M∗∗•ADP•Pi state. Therefore, trans PABIDP forms predominantly ternary complexes mimics M∗∗•ADP•Pi with BeFn and AlF4-. The photo-isomerization to cis PABIDP by UV irradiation decreased the stability of the ternary complexes. The results suggest that trans PABITP may mimic transient state of M∗∗ADP-Pi state and isomerization to cis PABITP induced transition to other state in ATPase cycle.

Energy-Independent Helicase Activity of a Viral Genome Packaging Motor

The assembly of complex double-stranded DNA viruses includes a genome packaging step where viral DNA is translocated into the confines of a preformed procapsid shell. In most cases, the preferred packaging substrate is a linear concatemer of viral genomes linked head-to-tail. Viral terminase enzymes are responsible for both excision of an individual genome from the concatemer (DNA maturation) and translocation of the duplex into the capsid (DNA packaging). Bacteriophage λ terminase site-specifically nicks viral DNA at the cos site in a concatemer and then physically separates the nicked, annealed strands to mature the genome in preparation for packaging. Here we present biochemical studies on the so-called helicase activity of λ terminase. Previous studies reported that ATP is required for strand separation, and it has been presumed that ATP hydrolysis is required to drive the reaction. We show that ADP and nonhydrolyzable ATP analogues also support strand separation at low (micromolar) concentrations. In addition, the Escherichia coli integration host factor protein (IHF) strongly stimulates the reaction in a nucleotide-independent manner. Finally, we show that elevated concentrations of nucleotide inhibit both ATP- and IHF-stimulated strand separation by λ terminase. We present a model where nucleotide and IHF interact with the large terminase subunit and viral DNA, respectively, to engender a site-specifically bound, catalytically competent genome maturation complex. In contrast, binding of nucleotide to the low-affinity ATP binding site in the small terminase subunit mediates a conformational switch that down-regulates maturation activities and activates the DNA packaging activity of the enzyme. This affords a motor complex that binds tightly, but nonspecifically, to DNA as it translocates the duplex into the capsid shell. These studies have yielded mechanistic insight into the assembly of the maturation complex on viral DNA and its transition to a mobile packaging motor that may be common to all of the complex double-stranded DNA viruses.